From the time of its inception in Canada, multiculturalism has generated varied reactions, none more starkly than between French and English Canadians. In this groundbreaking new work, Eve Haque examines the Government of Canada's attempt to forge a national policy of unity based on ’multiculturalism within a bilingual framework,‘ a formulation that emerged out of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1963-70). Uncovering how the policies of bilingualism and multiculturalism are inextricably linked, Haque investigates the ways in which they operate together as part of our contemporary national narrative to favour the language and culture of Canada's two ’founding nations‘ at the expense of other groups.

Haque uses previously overlooked archival material, including transcripts of royal commission hearings, memos, and reports, to reveal the conflicts underlying the emergence of this ostensibly seamless policy. By integrating two important areas of scholarly concern – the evolution and articulation of language rights in Canada, and the history of multiculturalism in the country – Haque provides powerful insight into ongoing asymmetries between Canada's various cultural and linguistic groups.

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Review

‘Haque’s approach is innovative in that it specifically focuses on the accounts of indigenous and ethnic groups that were ultimately sidelined in the B and B Commission reports and later national policy.’ (Rachelle Vessey)

‘Well written and insightful, this work is a valuable contribution to political sociology, policy, and culture studies… Highly recommended.’ (D.A. Chekki)

About the Author

Eve Haque is an associate professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics and the Department of Equity Studies at York University.

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1 review

Finally, a critical review of official bilingualism.May 28 2013

By
Machjo
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

Unlike most books that either uncritically worship official bilingualism on the one hand, or oppose it out of shallow Francophobia or more generally xenophobia on the other, this book takes an equally critical look at the privileges that official bilingualism gives both English and French Canadians, and also looks at how the B&B Commission managed to sideline opposition from inidgenous and other peoples to official bilingualism and the notion of 'two founding races' on which it is founded.

I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars since though it analizes the problem in depth, it does not provide any solution, whether practical or theoretical.